No fewer than 15 people have lost their lives in a fatal road accident at the Muslim Cemetery area along the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo route of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at about 2:32 a.m. and involved a lone DAF XF trailer with registration number GWL 274 XC.
According to a report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the trailer, which was carrying a heavy load as well as several passengers riding on top of the goods, veered off the road after the driver reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel.
The impact caused the trailer to separate from its cab, with its heavy load spilling onto the passengers, leaving many trapped beneath the cargo.
The FRSC disclosed that 48 male occupants were involved in the crash. Of the number, 15 were confirmed dead, 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 16 escaped unhurt.
The injured victims reportedly suffered fractures, dislocations and bruises and were evacuated to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kabiru Babatunde Kazeem, identified the driver as Nasiru Mohammed.
Kazeem said the bodies of the deceased had been released to their families and representatives of the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area of the state for burial.
He added that rescue personnel were still searching the accident scene amid fears that more victims could be trapped beneath the spilled cargo.
The rescue operation was carried out jointly by officials of the FRSC RS8.15 Oloru Unit and RS8.1 Kwara Command, Oko Olowo Outpost.
Credit: Vanguard
